Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday signed Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025 (PECA) into law after it was passed by the National Assembly and Senate.
According to a President House press release, the president also signed the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025 as well as National Commission on the Status of Women (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The approval of the PECA has sparked considerable debate and unrest.
After discussions between political leaders and media representatives, the bill, which had initially been supported by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in both houses of parliament, faced criticism for a lack of proper consultation with key stakeholders.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Vice President Sherry Rehman and expressed dissatisfaction, noting that the party had been assured that discussions would involve all relevant groups, but this promise was not fulfilled.
The PECA amendment bill, passed by the National Assembly and Senate before reaching President Zardari's desk for final approval, aims to tackle issues like fake news, disinformation, and harmful online content.
A major feature of the amendment is the creation of a Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA), which would be responsible for regulating social media platforms, investigating complaints, and removing unlawful material.
This new authority would also ensure that social media companies adhere to local laws, potentially requiring them to set up local offices and representatives.
While the government defends the amendments as necessary to address growing concerns about online misinformation, many critics see it as a potential tool for censorship.
Journalists and media bodies, including the Pakistan Federation of Union of Journalists (PFUJ), have raised alarms about the bill’s implications for press freedom and freedom of expression.
Meanwhile, protests were held in Karachi by a coalition of media organizations, civil society groups, and trade unions, demanding that their concerns be addressed.
The fear among critics is that these amendments could lead to the suppression of independent journalism, as the power granted to the DRPA could easily be misused.
Many feel that the law, which was initially intended to protect against cybercrimes such as hacking and data theft, is now being used to restrict freedom of speech under the guise of fighting fake news.
Renowned journalist and Mazhar Abbas of PFUJ pointed out the irony, noting that the law had been passed hastily by the same party now facing its consequences.
Despite the government's claims that these amendments are necessary to curb the spread of harmful content, the lack of proper consultation has left many feeling alienated.
Journalists and media groups continue to demand amendments that ensure their freedom to report without the threat of undue censorship. As the situation unfolds, it will be critical to find a balance between combating online abuses and safeguarding the right to freedom of expression.
